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[Ian_D]

My Omega failed on play in the steering idler arm, so I replaced the arm with a new one from LMF.

It was a bit of a rush job this morning I will admit, so didnt check for play after the new idler was fitted as I swapped it over before work...

So, Off to the MOT station I go for the re-test... FAILED  

Play on the steering idler again   So... if its not the arm thats worn, it must be the bracket? Anyone seen this before on the omega? Phoned VX (Leeds), and they dont ever remember ordering one of these?

Need the car fixing ASAP (tomorrow would be nice, but thats not going to happen now).

So question is, where can I get a bracket from ASAP? Scrappers?

Thanks in advance!

[omegod]

I cant see how there would be play in the bracket as it's just a strip of fairly hefty steel IIRC?

Did you undo the bolts through the inner wing and maybe not tighten them enough? MOT testers generally can only look at a part so may perceive movement as play if you know what I mean...Only thing I can think of anyway.

[Ian_D]

I didnt remove the bracket, so cant see how that can be loose, but I will check.

I do remember the shaft which the idler arm slides onto looked like it was tapered, however VX seem to think that is shouldn't be tapered? Guess this is where its worn down?

Strange...

Anyone got one for sale BTW? and can they deliver it to York by tomorrow? Good ££'s Paid    

[Seth]

Are you referring to 'play' in the swivel, or in the 'eye' of the arm?

[Ian_D]

play in the bolt.

Ive put a brand new arm on it, and theres still loads of play  

Its asif the bolt/spindle has worn down. (big end which bolts to the car chassis)

Anyone got 5 litres of petrol and some matches going free?  

[platty]

Ian, I had this on my car last year - the LMF idlers are shyte!

I replaced the chassis mount bit with a 2nd hand jobbie and it improved enough to pass, but its most likely the idler that is at fault.

If you fancy a new chassis mount bit, then I think Andy at Drive, Bury has got a new one on the shelf at a good price   if you give him a call I'm sure he will sort you out.

[Seth]

Common horror stories here concerning 'pattern' parts.

Changed mine last year with a genuine Vx unit for around 50 quid-ish. Two MoT's later, and it's still a good 'un!
I'd be looking for a refund on the duff idler.

[Ian_D]

Ian, I had this on my car last year - the LMF idlers are shyte!

I replaced the chassis mount bit with a 2nd hand jobbie and it improved enough to pass, but its most likely the idler that is at fault.

If you fancy a new chassis mount bit, then I think Andy at Drive, Bury has got a new one on the shelf at a good price   if you give him a call I'm sure he will sort you out.

Ive phoned Drive, and ordered one (pn 90445587). Should be with me Tues/Wed. Hope it fixes it or I WILL be getting matches out!

[nick v6]

don't burn it till you get that exhaust system off then you can burn it
 


hope all goes well for ya mate

[Ian_D]

Common horror stories here concerning 'pattern' parts.

Changed mine last year with a genuine Vx unit for around 50 quid-ish. Two MoT's later, and it's still a good 'un!
I'd be looking for a refund on the duff idler.

Like I said above, I seem to think the mount bolt / spindle or what ever its called looked like it was tapered, and they shouldn't be AFAIK  

Me and my luck eh?!?

Good job I've got a Tractor Omega to run about in which seems to be running fine now I've given it some TLC!  (Which will be for sale shortly  ) Talking of which, it will be towing my new caravan which I've just bought this evening!  

And my god i'm glad... need a quiet weekend away just to get away from everything, cars included! Until I sign into OOF on the sites wireless internet!

[Ian_D]

don't burn it till you get that exhaust system off then you can burn it
 


hope all goes well for ya mate

Yes mate... Anyway, I KNEW there was something I needed to speak to you about...

Exhaust is off the car mate! Its up for grabbs too!

Unfortunatly im flying round like a blue arse fly at the mo, so I will send you a PM with photos etc ASAP, if you dont here anything from me in a week or so, give me a nudge Nick!  

[Marks DTM Calib]

I have said it once and I will say it again.....LMF are only any good for bolt on bob bits....thier spares are shite!

Thier steering idler ams are worse than shite!

[Marks DTM Calib]

I should add that you will now find out how shite thier customer service is when you try to get a refund on this inferior, not fit for purpose, pile of shite they have supplied!

[Ian_D]

I have said it once and I will say it again.....LMF are only any good for bolt on bob bits....thier spares are shite!

Thier steering idler ams are worse than shite!

I was hoping that you would be wrong about LMF... Unfortunatly, you hit the nail on the head...

They are utter f-ing shite!

After fitting the new Idler, I thought that it mush have been the bracket that was worn... so ordered a new one from VX (I managed to beat him down on the RRP from 80 odd to 50 odd inc p+p)... so £50 odd later from VX, I go to remove the bracket from the omega... and you've guessed it, the one on my car is fine...

So ive now got a £33 LMF steering idler that IS ACTUALLY WORSE than the 118k mile idler that came off the car.

And a £50 odd GM bracket thats not needed....

and ontop of that, ive now got 2 days to find a GENUINE idler which I can fit, or I will be out of the 10 days free MOT test!!!!!

To say im pissed off is a BIG understatment!!!

My advice.... dont EVER us LMF.... and its worth wile ordering genuine bits... its already cost me £33 (idler) £50 bracket, £19 for temp insurance on other car while mines off the road, and if I can get it replace ASAP, then £40 for another MOT = £142 wasted... and that EXCLUDES buying the idler from VX which is over £85 RRP (I dont have a trade access )

TOTAL cost for an idler could be £227ish + lots and LOTS of stress....


ARRGGGGGGG I HATE CARSSSSS 

[Andy B]

..... Andy at Drive, Bury  .....

You missed St Edmunds out! Bury is in Lancs ....... Andy @ Drive isn't!